11 July 2021 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK

Win Duncan RIP

The Ryan family

Tricia Butterworth RIP

Parishioners

LATEST  UP-DATE 

 

THE CHURCH IS NOW OPEN FOR WEEKEND MASSES: Saturday Vigil: 6.45pm and Sunday, 9.30am.  PLEASE PHONE / EMAIL ON THURSDAYs, 10.30am to 3pm to book a place

 

 

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PARISH NEWSLETTER

THIS WEEK’S NOTICES & READINGS / REFLECTIONS

BOOKING FOR MASS
There is no change to our current arrangements for attending Mass, therefore please continue to contact the office on Thursdays, 10.30am to 3pm in order to book your place.

READINGS FOR 11 JULY
1st Reading: Amos 7:12-15, Go, prophesy to my people
Psalm 84: Let us see O Lord your mercy, and give us your saving help
2nd Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14, Before the world was made, God chose us
Gospel: Mark 6:7-13, He began to send them out
Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our mind, so that we can see what hope his call holds for us.  Alleluia!
Communion antiphon: Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him, says the Lord.

REFLECTION FOR 15th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The instructions given by Christ to his disciples in today’s Gospel, have also been taken up by the saints.  Saints give their ‘all’ for the God they adore.  They hold nothing back.  An example of this is our own newly Venerable Ignatius Spencer, the Passionist (1799-1864).
Fr Ignatius was George, the youngest son of the second Earl Spencer, so had a comfortable and well-educated background.  He became an Anglican clergyman before converting to Catholicism and eventually becoming a Passionist, following in the footsteps of his friend, Blessed Dominic Barberi.
During his religious life, he embarked on an exhausting round of travelling and missionary work, round Ireland, the Germanic states and Belgium.  In that way, Ignatius truly imitated Jesus’ disciples: he heard the call of his Master and ‘went out, preaching and teaching’ and bringing relief.
A contemporary wrote of him, “His great charity to the poor and wandering beggars was unbounded.  At times he gave them all the money he had and even stripped himself of his clothes to give them to the distressed.  When he had nothing left to give, he thanked God that he had only God’s holy truth to share with them.  His house was always open for the distressed.  He was heard to say, ‘How beautiful it would be, to die in a ditch, alone and unnoticed.’  Extraordinarily, God hear his prayer and he suffered a heart attack whilst walking to a friend’s in Lanarkshire in October, 1864.  Friends remarked that Ignatius would have considered his prayers answered.
He was recognised as ‘Venerable’ in February this year.

PRAYER INTENTIONS THIS WEEK
Archbishop Malcolm has asked us to pray the following at this time of crisis:
God Our Father, each person is precious to You.
You are the Giver of life.
Have mercy on us and protect us at this time, as the coronavirus threatens health and life.
You are an ever-present Helper in time of trouble.
Watch over those who are suffering, give strength to those who are aiding the sick and give courage to all in this time of anxiety.
We ask this of you in the name of your Son. Jesus Christ.
Amen.

We join Pope Francis in his prayer intention for July:
Social Friendship
We pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.

Let us pray
That all Christians may strive for holiness by repenting of past sins;
That all who doubt or distrust the Gospel message may recognise the risen Christ in the goodness and kindness of others and learn to turn to God in faith and love;
That the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ for all people may teach us that there is no such thing as a worthless life, or a person God does not love;
That as Covid restrictions are lifted and more people receive their vaccinations, may the bonds of our relationships be renewed and strengthened

We pray now in the words Jesus gave us:
Our Father, who art in heaven…

SPECIAL FEASTS THIS WEEK
13 July – St Henry, Holy Roman Emperor
14 July – St Camillus of Lellis, founded a congregation of male nurses in Rome, to help plague victims
15 July – St Bonaventure
16 July – Our Lady of Mt Carmel (the meeting place of God and his people)

WORLD DAY OF GRANDPARENTS & THE ELDERLY – SUNDAY 25 JULY
This first World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly is being celebrated midway through the year dedicated to family by the Holy Father on the fifth anniversary of the apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia.
This is a deliberate choice that stems from awareness of how the elderly −all the elderly, including those who are not grandparents − need a family environment in which to live, and also how it is necessary for families to become aware of the role being played by their older members. 
The decision to hold a World Day for Grandparents and Older People has come at a time marked by a pandemic and by the suffering of our older generations in recent months in every part of the world. To be unable to be close to those who suffer is at odds with a Christian’s calling to show compassion.
This World Day is an opportunity to reaffirm that the Church can never remain distant from those who carry a cross. The theme chosen by the Holy Father, “I am with you always”, expresses clearly that, during the pandemic and in the better times that will hopefully follow, every ecclesial community wishes to be with the elderly always.

EWTN – GLOBAL CATHOLIC TV & RADIO
Getting connected is easier than you might think.  EWTN is free, there’s no subscription.  You can stream live and on demand via the website: www.ewtn.co.uk/get-ewtn or get the app for your mobile (EWTN APP), or Amazon’s Echo Auto.
Highlights for July include:
14 July, 8.00am / 15 July, 3.30am: Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity – the life and spiritual legacy of the young 19th century French Carmelite
Every day: daily Mass at 1pm and Children’s Rosary every day, at 7.30pm

1st COMMUNION PREPARATION FOR 2021-22
We will be aiming to begin monthly preparation sessions for children (and their parents) in Yrs 4 and 5 in September.  Application forms are available at Mass / via email.  Deadline = 1 August 

MESSAGE FROM CAFOD
As Pope Francis urges us all to take part in the synod we will be holding online sessions, open to all with experts sharing what is a synod, why it is important and how parish communities are participating. I appreciate that many parishioners will have been involved in the Liverpool Archdiocese synodal process that has recently taken place and will be more familiar with the process than many Catholics throughout the rest of the country.
All are welcome to join these sessions and please invite your parishioners to come along too. Our first session on Tuesday 27 July at 7pm will feature a conversation with Christopher Lamb, Rome correspondent for The Tablet, about why Pope Francis is inviting us all to participate in the synod. Click here to book onto the session. 
Many Catholic parishioners have been responding to Pope Francis’ call for a better kind of politics and meeting their MPs this summer. If you supported one of these CAFOD meetings, calling for more action to tackle the climate crisis and to help the poorest countries cope with the pandemic, thank you. Thank you also if you are supporting our petition to the Prime Minister.

MESSAGE FROM NUGENT CARE
We are delighted to invite you to the 15th Annual Phil Thompson Golf Classic on Thursday 16th September 2021. The event will be held at Houghwood Golf Club and will provide attendees with a ‘par’-fect opportunity for you to come together with pals and colleagues to enjoy a great game of golf with panoramic views over the Lancashire plain and the Welsh hills.
Tickets are priced at £450 (for teams of 4). This includes a hearty breakfast barm, a ‘tee’-riffic day of golf, snacks and refreshments plus a wholesome evening meal with anecdotes shared by Phil and a brilliant guest speaker. All net proceeds from this event will be used to help secure Nugent’s future and the vital services we provide across Merseyside.
COVID-19 has brought huge challenges for our society and particularly for Merseyside. Children and families experiencing complex social issues are facing even greater risks. At such a difficult time, Nugent, which has deep and longstanding roots in the communities it serves, has never been more needed – this is why we need your support. For more information, or to book your place today, please see the attached flyer or contact: Ainsley Briscoe, Fundraiser – Corporate Partnerships and Major Gifts at Nugent: E: ainsley.briscoe@wearenugent.org or M: 07833091852.

CHRIST THE KING HICH SCHOOL & 6th FORM CENTRE, SOUTHPORT
Anxiously awaiting your GCSE results and unsure what to do?
CTK6 – Christ the King 6th Form Centre, Stamford Road, Birkdale, will be enrolling for their A-level and BTEC Level 3 courses on Thursday 21 August 2021.
Find out if you meet the entry requirements by checking their website: www.christtheking-school.com or email sixthformadmin@christtheking-school.com to arrange an interview.

HELP TO PROTECT OUR RESIDENTS: FREE COVID LATERAL FLOW TESTS KITS ARE AVAILABLE
West Lancashire Borough Council is asking all residents to take 2 Covid tests a week so that they can accurately monitor the number of cases in the borough.  They are able to help people who test positive to self-isolate – and there is funding available to help if that means that someone is unable to go in to work for the required period.
Free test kits will be distributed at Mass over the next fewweekends.  They can also be dropped off at your home if you’re unable to get to Mass.  Please contact the office.

COVID VACCINE POP-UPS FOR EVERYONE!
Vaccination pop-up clinics / vaccine bus for over 18s will be held at these venues over the next few weeks: https://www.westlancs.gov.uk/news/get-vaccinated-at-the-covid-19-pop-up-sites-and-bus.aspx 

FINANCIAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE TO SELF-ISOLATE
There is financial help available for people who need to self-isolate and cannot work and for parents/guardians who need to stay off work to look after children who have been told to self-isolate.  Please use this link for West Lancs Borough Council to access the help needed. https://www.westlancs.gov.uk/more/emergencies/coronavirus/test-and-trace-support-payment.aspx

MUSICAL TREATS FOR THE WEEK
I, the Lord of Sea and Sky (Here I Am, Lord) [with lyrics for congregations] – YouTube
A full congregational performance of this popular hymn, which calls us all to be disciples: “I will go Lord, if you lead me”….

 

REGULAR WEEKLY NOTICES

MASS ON SUNDAYS
As you may be aware, our Bishops have lifted the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
To keep Sundays holy, it might be helpful to spend some time reading the Scriptures.  Besides your Bible, the Magnificat publication can be a wonderful aid to prayer and of course, you also get the readings for Mass for every day of the week!  At a cost of less than £1 a week, you may be interested in subscribing now: tel. 020 7448 3618; email: uk@magnificat.com or visit the website: www.catholic-herald.myshopify.com

Masses will continue to be live-streamed and televised for many months yet, so you can still take part in Sunday worship and the Act of Spiritual Communion will continue to be an important part of people’s worship for the foreseeable future.  
If you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

THE ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you.
Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.

MASSES ONLINE WILL CONTINUE TO BE STREAMED INDEFINITELY
Locally, there is St Clare’s, Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood: www.saintclares.co.uk which streams Mass daily at 9.30am. Please follow the easy links on the website.
https://www.vaticannews.va/en Pope Francis
https://www.churchservices.tv/whats-on-now/ Great selection of Masses and other Church services https://www.lourdes-france.org/en/tv-lourdes/ Mass and daily at 2pm, the Rosary in English
https://www.livemass.org Extraordinary Form (1962 Missal)
Use the website links to EWTN, those who have Sky can tune in on Channel 588, or the Archdiocese to access daily Masses
On the radio: Catholic Radio Sky Channel 0147
Also, you may wish to try the Pray as you Go phone app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.foxcode.prayasyougo&hl=en

PRAYERS from the Archdiocese, for Stations of the Cross etc: https://www.liverpoolcatholicresources.com/

Please email the Parish Office with details of any other online services you know of that may help parishioners at this very difficult time. We will try to include them in next week’s Newsletter.

YEAR OF ST JOSEPH (Patron Saint of the Archdiocese of Liverpool): With his apostolic letter, ‘Patris Corde’ (‘With a Father’s heart’), Pope Francis has proclaimed a ‘Year of St Joseph’ running from 8 December 2020 (Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception) to December 2021.
At the end of the letter, he asks us to pray the following prayer to St Joseph:
Hail Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you, God entrusted his only Son,
In you, Mary placed her trust,
With you, Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
Show yourself a father
And guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage
And defend us from every evil.
Amen
PRAYER CARDS FOR THE YEAR OF ST JOSEPH: Prayer cards are available – please notify the Parish Office and we will send one out to you so that you can say the prayer to St Joseph during the week.  We know we can rely on his guidance and protection in every difficulty and challenge.  And his intercessions are certainly much-needed by us all at the moment!

OPENING FOR PRIVATE PRAYER, THURSDAYS 11am to 1pm
In order to remain Covid-secure, please observe the following rules when you come:

  • No need to book
  • Wear a face mask, as usual
  • Sanitise hands when you come in
  • Sign in – a sheet will be on the table in the porch. (Use your own pen but if you have to borrow one, please ensure you’ve sanitised your hands before using the pen)
  • Take a sheet with a ‘X’ on it
  • Observe social distancing (1m-2m) at all times
  • Sit in an empty pew (no ‘X’ sheet)
  • When you leave, place the sheet with a ‘X’ on the spot where you were sitting, to warn others that they cannot sit there

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE CENTRE COURSES
The Christian Heritage Centre, based at Stonyhurst, offers regular webinars and courses on a variety of topics. For more information, please see www.christianheritagecentre.com  

CATHOLIC NEWSPAPERS:  These are available to order directly from the publisher (www.thecatholicuniverse.com  or 0161 820 5722). It can be posted to you each week. Introductory offers: printed copies for three months – £25; twelve months – £99; or digital copy £55 for twelve months.

OUR LITTLE CHURCH GROUP
Our children have continued to meet up regularly via Zoom during the pandemic and our Little Church seems to be happily thriving. If anyone is interested in attending, or knows any children who would like to be involved, you are more than welcome to join in the fun!  Please contact Emma O’Hare on 07813275574.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY – WITH BROTHER FRANCIS
You Tube animated stories and songs each week.  
https://brotherfrancis.com/

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – SEE THIS NEW INITIATIVE! ‘The Mark 10 Mission’
This is a brand new project created by a small team of young lay people to share the Gospel with children. The video episodes are completely free and have been used in many primary schools across the country each week since September. Please click on the link below to see the latest episodes.
https://www.themark10mission.co.uk/theepisodes/seriestwo
The Mark 10 Mission team is passionate to see the Gospel shared with children and to help them grow in their relationship with Christ. The website is updated each Friday morning with a new episode, so happy viewing!

OFFERTORY DONATIONS DURING THE LOCKDOWN 
Many thanks to generous parishioners who have sent in donations to our churches. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated.
Instead of putting money in offertory envelopes each week, those who are able to make an offering are asked to complete a Standing Order Mandate for your bank, from either your parish office. We can email the document to you, if you wish, so that you can print off, complete and send to your bank.
Alternatively, you may still wish to write a  cheque (payable to ‘Our Lady Help of Christians Church’ ) and post to the presbytery with a covering letter and one offertory envelope for gift aid purposes.
Donating by text / online: Please check the May Newsletters and use the links provided

 

HELP DURING THE PANDEMIC

COVID VACCINES – IMPORTANT
Please note that the Catholic Church has given its full support to the vaccine (all three of them) and is keen to assure Catholics that there are no moral issues linked to the science of the vaccines, whatsoever.  The vaccines are safe. The Archbishop of Liverpool is anxious to dispel any myths and urges Catholics to have the vaccines.  Cardinal Vin Nichols has already had his first vaccine.  So has the Pope!  – and hospital chaplains have also received their first doses.
Unfortunately some people are trying to exploit the fears of others, so be on the alert for so-called vaccine scammers, who will try and charge you for a vaccine.  There is NO CHARGE.
The vaccines are free. 
GP surgeries are not paid.  The government is paying for the whole programme.

Please also note that there are some scammers pretending to be the NHS.  There is only one official NHS email address, which is www.nhs.uk

The NHS will never ask for details like family maiden names of bank accounts / credit & debit cards.  Nor will they require you to pay anything for the vaccines.  If you are contacted by a group claiming to be the NHS and they’ve asked for these details, it is a scam and you must ignore it.  Then report it!

It is essential to continue to observe the ‘basics’: hand hygiene, face masks, social-distancing – and lots of good ventilation – at all times.

HELP IS AT HAND! Don’t forget that local volunteers from Hesketh Bank and Tarleton Helpers stand ready to help anyone who needs support – with errands, shopping, collecting prescriptions – and friendly telephone calls for those who are feeling isolated. Please call Diane Mackley (one of the HH Team members) on 01772 815508. 

OTHER HELP AVAILABLE TO US IN WEST LANCS
Citizens Advice Lancashire West – Advice on housing, employment, debt, benefits, consumer problems, energy advice (billing, supply, switching etc.) and much more.
Contact: Guy Simpson – gsimpson@calw.org.uk or Sarah Bennett – sbennett@calw.org.uk Tel. 0344 245 1294

South West Lancashire ICAN [South West Lancashire Independent Community Advice Network]
Provides free independent and confidential advice from specialists regarding redundancy, welfare rights, employment law, disability living allowance, tribunal appeals, personal independence payments, IT and digital support, debt, those in work-low income (including for the self-employed or small business owners during the pandemic), furloughing.
Contact: Paul McConnell or Jan Fitzsimons admin@swlican.org. Tel. 01695 726269

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES OR NEED ANY HELP, PLEASE CONTACT FR ANDERS AT THE PRESBYTERY IN TARLETON ON 01772 812242, OR EMAIL THE OFFICE (olhct@rcaol.org.uk)

WISHING ALL PARISHIONERS AND THEIR FAMILIES EVERY BLESSING FOR THE COMING WEEK